Comarch’s Post

Reflections on my international experience in Asia I'd always wanted to live abroad and imagined living in South or Central America and soaking in that beautiful and rich culture with my handsome husband. It didn't happen that way. In fact, not even close. I ended up fleeing my marriage after my cancer diagnosis, getting a job teaching English, and using the last of my energy to fling myself to the opposite side of the earth.  Despite a career change under less-than-ideal circumstances, my experience in Asia was priceless, both personally and professionally. Working in Asia was a real eye-opener and an adjustment for me.  Culturally Americans are just the opposite of most Asian cultures.  We're loud and direct, friendly and open, and not afraid of telling it like it is.  I was in Thailand where their values are on the good of the group instead of the individual.  They are quieter and more measured.  They avoid confrontation.  I had some adjusting to do! My time in Asia expanded not only my perspective, but also my skillset.  I knew I could learn to teach, since many of my sales skills would be transferrable, but I never dreamed I'd end up being a food writer or founding a vegan frozen-food company! Navigating the challenges of operating in a foreign market requires innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. I didn't speak or read the language, but I always found people willing to help me reach my goals.  All I had to do was ask! Living and working in a different country requires resilience and resourcefulness. These qualities are incredibly beneficial in any professional setting, especially in leadership roles where navigating uncertainty and leading through change are essential. My international experience in Asia has not only enriched my professional skillset but also provided me with a unique lens through which to view business challenges and opportunities.  I wouldn't trade my time in Asia for anything, and you never know, I might live and work internationally again!

For the past 17 years, I've had the privilege of being an expat, exploring diverse cultures, and gaining invaluable experiences that have shaped me both personally and professionally. 🌍 👍 Pros: 1. **Cultural Immersion**: Living as an expat has enriched my understanding of global perspectives and broadened my cultural awareness. 2. **Personal Growth**: Adapting to new environments continuously has honed my resilience, independence, and problem-solving skills. 3. **Professional Development**: Exposure to diverse work environments has enhanced my adaptability, creativity, and ability to collaborate across borders. 👎 Cons: 1. **Challenges of Integration**: Language barriers and cultural differences can pose initial obstacles to settling in a new country. 2. **Family Separation**: Being away from loved ones can be emotionally challenging, especially during significant life events. 3. **Legal Complexities**: Navigating visa regulations and legal requirements in foreign countries can be time-consuming and stressful. I'm excited to share my journey and insights as an expat. Let's connect and exchange experiences! #ExpatLife #GlobalCitizen 🌍🌟

Ever wondered what exactly an expatriate is?    Well, it's a fancy term for someone living in a new country, away from where they grew up.   Expats are super valuable to companies. Do you know why?    Because they bring a whole lot of different cultures and experiences right into the heart of the workplace, making it a melting pot of ideas and perspectives!   Companies are all about embracing global talent! Expats are invaluable because of the specialized knowledge they have that companies need worldwide.   Check this out...   According to this website, Where Expats Love (& Hate) Living in 2023 | InterNations, the expats name these cities as favorites.  1. Mexico 2. Spain 3. Panama 4. Malaysia  5. Taiwan 6. Thailand  7. Costa Rica 8. Philippines  9. Bahrain 10. Portugal    I am all about helping expats and immigrants succeed abroad. As an immigrant and global professional myself, I have helped global professionals adapt to their new culture, communicate better, get jobs, promotions, and grow in their leadership performance.   Have an expat experience to share? I would love to hear it!   #internationaljobs #livingabroad #movingintotheUS #expats #culturaladaptation #career #success #ESL #businessenglish

Ever wondered what exactly an expatriate is? Well, it's a fancy term for someone living in a new country, away from where they grew up. Expats are super valuable to companies. Do you know why? Because they bring a whole lot of different cultures and experiences right into the heart of the workplace, making it a melting pot of ideas and perspectives! Companies are all about embracing global talent! Expats are invaluable because of the specialized knowledge they have that companies need worldwide. Check this out... According to this website, Where Expats Love (& Hate) Living in 2023 | InterNations, the expats name these cities as favorites.  1. Mexico 2. Spain 3. Panama 4. Malaysia  5. Taiwan 6. Thailand  7. Costa Rica 8. Philippines  9. Bahrain 10. Portugal I am all about helping expats and immigrants succeed abroad. As an immigrant and global professional myself, I have helped global professionals adapt to their new culture, communicate better, get jobs, promotions, and grow in their leadership performance. Have an expat experience to share? I would love to hear it! #internationaljobs #livingabroad #movingintotheUS #expats #culturaladaptation #career #progres #success #ESL #businessenglish

Embracing Adaptability: Turning Challenges into Strengths 🌍 Living and working as an expat in a foreign country has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It has taught me the true essence of adaptability, a skill that has become an invaluable asset in my corporate journey. 🔹 Understanding Cultural Nuances : Adapting to new cultural norms has broadened my perspective, fostering empathy and cultural sensitivity. These qualities are critical for building diverse and inclusive teams. 🔹 Overcoming Bureaucratic Hurdles : Managing visa processes, healthcare, and local regulations honed my problem-solving skills and resilience. It’s about staying persistent and finding solutions despite obstacles. 🔹 Building New Networks : Establishing a social and professional network in an unfamiliar environment improved my networking abilities and confidence. It showed me the power of community and collaboration. 🔹 Mastering Daily Logistics : Everyday tasks in a new country became opportunities for growth. They taught me to be resourceful and adaptable—qualities that translate into efficiency and innovation at work. Each challenge encountered abroad has strengthened my adaptability, making me more resilient, open-minded, and capable of thriving in diverse environments. In the ever-evolving corporate landscape, these skills are not just beneficial—they are essential. Embrace change. Leverage your experiences. Turn challenges into strengths. Your adaptability is your superpower. #Adaptability #ExpatLife #CorporateStrength #Resilience #CulturalDiversity #ProfessionalGrowth --- Feel free to share your journey as an expat in a foreign country and how you turned it into your strength.

Unveiling the Life of an Expat in the Corporate World ✈️🌍 I share my journey as an expat in the corporate world to offer insights and inspiration. Having lived in three different countries and now calling the USA home, being an expat has taught me: 🌟 **Powerful Adaptability:** The ability to adapt to new cultures and environments is key to thriving in a diverse and ever-changing world. 🗣️ **Universal Communication:** Overcoming language and cultural barriers is a valuable lesson, highlighting the importance of clear and sensitive communication. 🌎 **Enriching Diversity:** Collaborating with people from different backgrounds broadens horizons, fuels innovation, and offers unique perspectives. 💪 **Infinite Resilience:** Confronting challenges far from home strengthens resilience, turning obstacles into growth opportunities. 🤝 **Precious Global Network:** Building international connections enriches your professional journey, providing support and unique opportunities. If you seek a distinctive and enriching career path, consider the world of expatriation in the corporate realm. Each challenge is a chance to grow and learn, while connecting with a global network of amazing peers. #ExpatLife #GlobalCareer #Diversity #Adaptability #Learning

Expats bring invaluable skills and experiences to the table, making them highly sought-after in today's global job market. Here's how they can leverage their backgrounds effectively: 1. Cross-Cultural Communication: Expats excel in navigating cultural nuances, a crucial skill in multinational settings. 2. Adaptability: Living abroad hones their ability to thrive in diverse environments, making them resilient employees. 3. Language Proficiency: Many expats are bilingual, facilitating communication in multicultural teams and expanding market reach. 4. Global Perspective: Their experiences offer insights into international markets and trends, aiding in strategic decision-making. 5. Cultural Intelligence: Expats understand and navigate different cultural contexts, fostering effective collaboration in diverse teams. 6. Networking: Building diverse professional networks globally opens doors to opportunities and partnerships. 7. Problem-Solving: They develop strong problem-solving skills by overcoming unique challenges abroad. 8. Global Mindset: Expats bring a broad, innovative mindset, essential for adapting to evolving market demands. In summary, expats' unique skill set, including cross-cultural communication, adaptability, language proficiency, global perspective, cultural intelligence, networking abilities, problem-solving skills, and global mindset, positions them as invaluable assets in today's job market. #Expats #GlobalSkills #CrossCulturalCommunication #GlobalMindset #CareerAbroad

Let's talk about one of the topics related to an International assignment. :) Cultural awareness is another vital aspect of Global Mobility, given that people need to be aware or sensitive of how people from various cultures see and engage with one another. It is important to take into account that the same activity or conversation may be viewed differently according to a person’s cultural heritage. For example, a movement or face that is considered completely natural and acceptable in one culture could be regarded as impolite or rude in another: as a result, it is important to be aware of what is taboo, polite, or simply correct according to the norms of the other culture. Do you want to comment an experience where you encountered difficulties while being working abroad? #globalmobility #challenges #culturalaspects

As a family, living overseas (in France, the UK, Russia, Hong Kong and the Netherlands) has been a great experience.    You may often be thrown into a situation out of your comfort zone, pushing you to rethink your communication style and decision-making processes. This, in turn, instills in you an invaluable sense of independence and confidence, empowering you to tackle unfamiliar tasks. Your adaptability and resilience are put to the test.    My best advice would be to live and act 'local'. For example, we sent our kids to local schools to make sure they were culturally immersed.    Experiencing new cultures makes you more understanding of different values and beliefs. What’s normal in your home country might be entirely different elsewhere, which fosters an appreciation for diversity.    In our increasingly interconnected world, the ability to communicate effectively across borders in an invaluable asset. Global experience improves your communication skills, particularly if you are interacting with people in a language other than your mother tongue. Having multi-cultural experience makes you stand out and can be just as important on your CV as your education.    So, if you are wondering whether you should take on the challenge of moving to a new country and embracing a new culture, my answer is 100% do it. Seize the opportunity!    Seeing my kids grow up in a multi-cultural environment and hearing about their experiences makes all the challenges of working and living overseas worth it.    This is why at aixigo, we are now exploring options to encourage some of our employees to make a move to Asia with their families.